Couples Counseling Palatine IL

The Benefits of Couples Counseling

If you are looking into couples counseling in Palatine, IL, it is probably because you know that love is not always bright sunny skies and cuddly feelings. Sometimes, relationships go through periods where the couple experiences increased arguments or tension. The couple may not know why they are bickering, while others are aware of the problem but do not know how to resolve it themselves. When such difficulty arises, many couples may consider going to see a therapist. It is not uncommon for people who have never attended therapy before to be intimidated and unsure about what to expect. However, it is important to remember that the role of a therapist is to provide a safe space for expressing thoughts and emotions. Patients should never feel judged or embarrassed by their therapist.

If you have been experiencing problems within your relationship, engaging in couples counseling may be the appropriate next step for you and your partner. Relationships require work, which means you will need to always be putting forth the effort to keep it flourishing. The Palatine, Illinois couples counseling therapists at the Lotus Wellness Center are a group of experienced professionals who can help make the space for you to begin repairing some of the problems in your relationship.

What to Look for in a Palatine, IL Therapist

The process of finding a therapist that feels like a right fit can be tough. Knowing what to look for will be important in finding a therapist who is skilled, experienced, and reputable. There are a few important components that you should take into consideration when in the process of finding a therapist:

Perhaps one of the most important aspects is finding a therapist that you and your partners are compatible with. You will want to choose a therapist who has experience in the field and the necessary licenses and certificates to work with couples. This is key, as it will ensure that you are working with someone who has the appropriate credentials.

Speak with the therapist by phone, asking them questions about their practice and ideals. You can gather details on their experience, training, sessions, and cost.

Relationship Problems are Common

Seeking out therapy for your relationship doesn’t necessarily mean it’s your last stop before divorce. In fact, many couples engage in therapy long before it gets to that point. Experiencing relational strife is something that most people contend with. Having kids, jobs, mortgages, etc. can be stressful, and it can be difficult to make time for each other or put the time into the connection that is important for all relationships. Seeking couples counseling in Palatine, Illinois is a healthy way of gaining the skills needed to improve your relationship.

Your First Session

The idea of going to couples counseling can feel daunting to some. It can feel overwhelming to think that you and your partner will discuss the problems in your relationship before another person. Our therapists provide an objective, non-judgmental environment so that you can let your guard down. The process can take time and as you build a relationship with your therapist, you will feel more comfortable in discussing the intimate details of your relationship.

At your first couples counseling session, your therapist may ask you a series of questions. You will begin to develop the basis of your work during your time together. It is important to note, that problems in your relationship won’t get better overnight. The results from couples counseling are all contingent upon what you and your partner are willing to commit to the process. You will need to be open and honest with each other and apply the lessons from therapy into your daily lives.

Common Questions to Ask your Couples Counselor

How do I know whether we need couples counseling?

If you and your other half feel as though things could be better in your relationship, then it may be a good idea to try out a Palatine couples counseling session. Do keep in mind though, that it may take more than just a single session for you to work through challenges. In the event of infidelity, miscommunication, or major disagreements within the relationship, going to couples counseling can be a great resource.

What topics may be covered in a couples counseling session?

The topics covered in a couples counseling session depends on the couple. Every pair is different, and every person may have unique needs or personality traits. The intention of a therapist to get to know you both as individuals and as a couple. Then, problem areas may be identified and worked through at a pace the couple is comfortable with.

Will the counselor offer solutions to our problems?

A counselor’s role is to be an unbiased and neutral party as you and your other half work through challenges. A therapist may guide the conversation and help you arrive at an agreement together. However, it is unlikely that a therapist will make straightforward statements about what you should or should not do. Your therapist should never take the side of one spouse or the other during sessions. Each person should feel supported and equal during counseling.

What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?

Emotionally focused therapy is a counseling approach that can help reduce conflict and encourage support between the couple. EFT identifies patterns in communication that can get in the way of a rewarding and connective relationship dynamic. Through this approach, many couples may observe they have less fights and decreased overall tension. Additionally, conflicts that do arise can be worked through faster, compared to how long it would have taken to settle in the past. This can be a direct result of the improved communication skills couples learn how to use in sessions.

How do I know if a counselor is right for me?

First and foremost, a counselor should always make you and your spouse feel safe to share how you feel. A skilled counselor can help you navigate very painful or difficult conversations that have previously ended in disaster when you both tried to battle the talk alone. The right counselor may not only help you become better together, but as an individual too.

Common Questions a Couples Counselor May Ask

If you and your partner have been experiencing relationship problems, you may have considered seeing a couples counselor. A licensed couples counselor can help you work through your issues in a comfortable and nonjudgmental environment and give you advice on how to improve your relationship. However, if this is the first time you’ve ever been to couples counseling in Palatine IL, you may not know what to expect.

Here are some questions your couples counselor may ask:

What brings you here?

This is like the first question your couples counselor will ask you and your partner. It helps get right to the point. Your couples counselor will want to know specific details of why you sought therapy so that he or she can better assist you. Be completely honest and don’t leave any details out. Whether you and your partner have been arguing more often than usual lately or one has had an affair, it’s important for your counselor to know the reason you’re there.

What’s the history of your relationship?

A couples counselor will also ask questions about the history of your relationship, like how the two of you met, how long you’ve been together, and whether or not you’ve had previous issues. Finding out about the history of your relationship can help the counselor work more effectively with the two of you.

Are you happy in your relationship at all?

How you answer this question can tell a lot about where the two of you are as a couple. If you can’t think of one thing that makes you happy in your relationship, you may just be staying in it for security reasons. If that’s the case, it may be better to end the relationship instead of continuing to be in happy. On the other hand, if you can still think of several things that make you happy in your relationship, it may be worth saving.

What do you hope to get out of therapy?

People often can have very different goals they hope to achieve from Palatine, IL couples counseling. That’s why your counselor will likely at the beginning of the session ask you and your partner what goals you hope to achieve from therapy. It’s quite possible that you and your significant other will have different goals.

Have there been any trust issues in the relationship?

When one or both partners lose trust, it can deeply impact the health of the relationship. Your counselor will want to know if either of you have broken each other’s trust before. Affairs and lying about finances, for example, can make even the strongest relationships suffer. Your counselor may help you repair some of that damage and become a stronger couple.

If you want to save your relationship, scheduling an appointment with an experienced couples therapist may be your best option. Come prepared to answer the questions listed above during your first session. If you have questions for your counselor also, don’t hesitate to ask them.

Many people feel isolated when experiencing relationship issues. You may not know whom in your support network to turn to. This is especially true if you are a very private person.Couples counseling Palatine, IL clients trust can prove to be helpful. We can provide you with the space to discuss the conflict in your relationship, privately. Call today to schedule an appointment with a Palatine, IL couples counseling office at theLotus Wellness Center.

WHY CHOOSE US?

We are so thankful to be on this journey to wellness with you. We recognize that making changes in your physical, emotional, and spiritual health is often difficult and overwhelming and our goal is to create a nurturing, open, inviting, and serene healing space to help you navigate all of life’s challenges.